at Annual Awards Ceremony
During the Annual Awards Ceremony celebrating the Guyana Police Force’s 186th Anniversary, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken announced a significant 29% reduction in serious crimes across the country. The event, attended by police officers and ranks from various divisions, was marked by a loud round of applause following this announcement.
Commissioner Hicken attributed the decline in crime rates to “proactive policing activities” and “social crime prevention initiatives” implemented by the Force. He proudly noted a clear-up rate of 62.1%, highlighting the effectiveness of these efforts.
In a bid to enhance crime prevention, district intelligence units have been established within regional divisions to improve the Force’s capability to anticipate and respond to emerging trends and threats.
While addressing traffic safety, Hicken acknowledged that traffic accidents, particularly fatal ones, remain a pressing concern. He reported a slight decrease in road accidents, which he linked to the strategic initiatives of the Traffic Department.
“Between January and May 2025, 889 e-tickets were issued through the Safe Road Intelligence Safety System, reflecting enhanced enforcement and smarter policing,” he stated. The employment of speed cameras, real-time traffic monitoring, and data-driven interventions have reportedly improved compliance among drivers.
Highlighting the importance of human capital development, Commissioner Hicken emphasized the Force’s commitment to training. From 2020 to 2025, over 10,500 ranks participated in 444 locally conducted training courses. Furthermore, 1,374 ranks received scholarships and sponsorships, while 697 successfully completed 110 overseas training programs.
To strengthen institutional capacity and relevant learning, agreements have been signed with 24 academic institutions to ensure that ranks receive contemporary policing training.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Mahendra Singh, the Traffic Chief, remarked on the significance of the 186th Anniversary, celebrating the Force’s dedication to serving and protecting citizens.
“A hundred and eighty-six years of continuous service is no small feat; it represents countless hours of duty, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the protection of our citizens, the preservation of public order, and the upholding of the rule of law,” Singh noted.
He concluded that the awards presented are not just symbols of recognition but also represent the collective efforts of all who serve under the banner of the Guyana Police Force.
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